Director of Special Services

TITLE: Decatur Township Director of Special Education

REPORTS TO: Assistant Superintendent of Schools

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: 220-Day Contract

SALARY: Commensurate with Experience

LOCATION: Decatur Township Central Office

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Special Education will oversee and enhance the special education programs, Section 504 plans within MSD Decatur Township. This position requires a dynamic and experienced leader who can develop and drive strategic initiatives, ensure high-quality programming, and promote an environment of academic excellence and inclusivity. The Director of Special Education will collaborate with the Learning Support Team, special education coordinators, school leaders, teachers, parents, students, and community stakeholders to align special services with the district's mission, goals, and strategic priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree or higher required
• Director of Exceptional Learners license or willingness to work toward licensure
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills required
• Ability to use and utilize technology required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Proven leadership and the ability to supervise
• Ability to problem-solve
• Understanding and knowledge of all operational functions of a school district
• Able to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent attendance record
• Strong employee relations skills

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversees the implementation of special education services.
• Oversees the implementation of Section 504 plans.
• Serves as Manifestation Determination Facilitator for special education and Section 504 conferences.
• Attends staffings and case conferences as needed.
• Provide support to K-12 Behavior Support, Life Skills Program, Mild Program (secondary only), and Structured Teach programs and assist special education coordinators as appropriate.
• Collaborates with RISE Learning Center as a separate school placement option.
• Supervises and complies with grants for Part B, and Medicaid reimbursements, writes grants, review and sign all programmatic and fiscal reports, coordinate with business office; manage compliance through work with non-pubs, stays up-to-date on grant cycles, writes amendments, communicate with Assistant Superintendent, school administrators, and teachers as needed.
• Reviews Results-Driven Accountability data and implements necessary changes within the district to drive strategy and improve student outcomes.
• Develop partnerships with outside agencies in order to provide opportunities for students with special needs.
• Ensures compliance with Federal and State Special Education Laws and oversees the implementation of all policies and procedures including gathering data for and filing of state and federal reports.
• Coordinate with the transportation department to discuss needs and concerns for special education students.
• Keeps informed of the multiple and complex legal requirements governing special education and assures compliance within the policies, procedures, and programs for special education.
• Conducts periodic reviews of enrollment, programming options, and important trends in education in an effort to advise the Assistant Superintendent of programing changes.
• Assures that procedures are in effect which locate, evaluate, and provide students with disabilities a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.
• Provides leadership in establishing new programs and developing improved understanding of existing programs.
• Provides leadership in due process procedures in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Determines staff development needs and provides/coordinates in-service to special education/general education, administrators, and parents as needed; coordinates training for administrators and staff on compliance with Indiana's Article 7, IDEA, and Section 504.
• Conducts regular assessments of Section 504 plans and ensures staff are trained to complete and implement plans at each school.
• Coordinates with the Special Education Leadership Team to conduct yearly professional development for special education staff on updates in special education and best practices for IEPs.
• Coordinates with the Special Education Leadership Team to conduct yearly professional development for instructional assistants and bus drivers.
• Communicates proactively with parents.
• Distributes monthly communication with special education and administrative staff.
• Make positive contributions to the culture and climate of the MSD of Decatur Township.
• Supports the MTSS process K-12.
• Supports building administrators on student discipline in collaboration with the Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Oversees the implementation of Developmental PreK in collaboration with the Principal at Lynwood Elementary.
• Maintains confidentiality of information.
• Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as the Superintendent or his or her designee may assign.

Leadership Responsibilities:

Provides direct leadership, support and evaluation for:

• Special Services Administrative Assistant
• Special Education Coordinators (2)
• DHH Special Education Teacher
• Speech and Language Pathologist Coordinator
• Speech and Language Pathologists
• Occupational Therapist Coordinator
• Occupational and Physical Therapists
• School Psychologists

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Use creative and collaborative problem-solving to accomplish goals.
• Facilitates grant-writing.
• Support MSD of Decatur Township decisions and direction relevant to matters of policy.
• Address concerns and offer suggestions appropriately and confidentially

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive Administrator Benefits Package